2016 annual notice on rights and responsibilities of the Virginia Tech community
This information was provided by Sherwood G. Wilson, vice president for administration, and Patricia A. Perillo, vice president for student affairs.
As members of the Virginia Tech community, we are individuals and community members with both rights and responsibilities.
We are committed to standards that support the educational mission of the university: standards by which we live, work, and learn together. These standards are derived from our guiding philosophical principles, the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.
The following are websites and other important information related to our community standards, health, safety, and security:
Hokie Handbook: This publication is reviewed annually and contains the Student Code of Conduct, the University Policies for Student Life, and other key policies and procedures that apply to all Virginia Tech students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and student organizations. The Hokie Handbook also serves as a reference for faculty and staff.
Student Arrest Disclosure: All students are reminded of their responsibility to report to the Student Conduct Office within 10 business days, any arrest/conviction/issuance of a protective order. This notification must be made in person to the Student Conduct Office using the required self-disclosure of arrest(s)/conviction(s) form, which is available at the Student Conduct website. The purpose of this policy is to enhance the safety and security of the university community.
Students with alcohol-related concerns and/or questions should consult with Hokie Wellness located at 195 McComas Hall (beyond the Recreational Sports control desk), 540-231-8878. Also, students who need information and support related to drug use may also contact Hokie Wellness at the same location.
Internet Copyright Infringement Complaints: Peer-to-peer (P2P) software enables unauthorized uploading of copyrighted music or movies, typically without any action on the part of the user. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, violates university policy and may subject one to civil and criminal liabilities. See the Copyright at Virginia Tech website for more information.
The Alcohol and Drug Policy Summary: In accordance with the federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the Commonwealth of Virginia's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, it is the policy of Virginia Tech that the unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees and students on university property or as part of any university activity is prohibited. The university's failure to comply with this requirement could result in the loss of federal funds. The university's biennial review is available online.
Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential services intended to help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being. To learn more, contact COVA Care and COVA HDHP-Anthem at 1-855-223-9277, COVA HealthAware-Aetna at 1-888-238-6232, Kaiser Permanente HMO Value Options at 1-866-517-7042, or Hokie Wellness at 540-231-8878.
Statement of Business Conduct Standards: The university has business standards that provide a strong foundation of business practices to ensure Virginia Tech's integrity and reputation. All of our employees are expected to follow these standards, which are outlined in the Statement of Business Conduct Standards.
Mandated Reporter Legislation: Virginia law (SB 239) now requires all faculty and staff to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Suspected instances of child abuse and neglect should be reported to the local Social Services Department or to the Department of Social Services toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline (1-800-552-7096). A list of questions and answers specific to Virginia Tech employees related to the law is available online. For information, email the Human Resources Service Center or call 540-231-9331.
Updating Directory Information and VT Alerts: Students and employees are reminded to update directory information in Hokie SPA and to sign up for VT Alerts. It is particularly important to include your emergency contact information. Faculty and staff should update directory information by going to Hokie SPA, click on "Hokie PLUS," and click on "update emergency contact." Students, updating your emergency contact information is now a required step in your course registration process.
Emergency Telephone Services: The university is required to update call location information in the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) database when telephones are added, when the location of a device changes, or when telephones are removed. To dispatch emergency responders to the correct locations, Network Infrastructure and Services updates the PSAP database using orders placed to install, move, or disconnect service. Telephone service customers are responsible for promptly advising Network Infrastructure and Services when room/suite identifiers change due to renovation or remodeling. Additionally, if electrical power fails in a building, access to emergency services from Voice over IP (VoIP) phones will not function. Network Infrastructure and Services strongly recommends augmenting service in selected locations throughout a building, with traditional analog and digital telephone services to ensure access to emergency support during a power failure. Contact a network infrastructure and services customer support service specialist at 540-231-6460 for additional information.
Suicide Prevention Resources: If students, parents, family members, faculty, or staff have concerns about a student possibly considering self-harm or suicide, please call the Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557. This number can be used to speak with a counselor during regular office hours or after-hours. Information about suicide prevention from the Cook Counseling Center and other resources in the New River Valley is available online.
Supervisors are strongly encouraged to share this information with employees who do not have electronic access.
